A window replacement will improve your home’s aesthetics, energy efficiency and marketability. Because most of the heat that escapes from your home is going out the window, a window upgrade is one of the most effective ways to really improve your home’s efficiency. New windows also make a home more attractive to potential buyers, which is a perk if you ever decide to sell your home down the road.

Things to consider when budgeting for a window replacement.

There are things to consider when estimating the cost of a window replacement. These include the size, type and number of windows you will need. For example, standard slider windows will cost less than a bay or bow window. You will also pay depending on the windows efficiency features. Though all windows that are ENERGY STAR rated for our climate zone will improve efficiency, you can pay extra for additional energy efficiency features. For instance, triple-pane windows cost more than double-pane.

Window companies can give you an accurate quote on both products and labour. In most cases, a window installer will give you a discount on labour per window if you are installing multiple windows at once. If you were planning on replacing a window or two every year until they are done, it could end up costing you more in the end.

Read How much will windows cost to learn more.

Common costs for residential windows.

According to HGTV renovations, the average cost to purchase and install a 5 by 7 window, including trim and flash, is approximately $1,000. Obviously, the price will go up and down depending on the type of window, size and material.

The average single detached home has between 10 to 15 windows. That means your window replacement will cost approximately $10,000 to $15,000 dollars.

Is a window replacement worth the cost?

If you are planning on staying in your home into the foreseeable future, then a window replacement is definitely worth the cost. Investing in energy efficiency will reduce your impact on the environment, prevent wasting energy and lower your heating and cooling costs by at least 8 percent each month. New windows will also improve your home comfort and its resale value.

If you are planning on selling your home, you have some things to consider. While a new window replacement will increase your home’s resale value and marketability, it will not recoup the entire cost of the project. You can expect to get back about 74 percent. However, in addition to that return on investment, your home will be more attractive to potential buyers, especially when it’s competing with comparable homes that do not have new windows.

Read Choosing new windows to help with the choice.

Blenders are must-have appliances for your kitchen. Without this miraculous kitchen appliance, the cooking tasks can become more complex and lengthier. If you don’t have a blender, it’s high time you add one to your kitchen appliance range.

When it comes to buying a blender for your kitchen, purchasing a random machine that you get for a cheap price isn’t the right way. Buying cheap appliances may cost you additional maintenance charges in the future. Buying a blender from a famous brand might be easy, but with the range of functions and categories of blenders available in the market, you need to consider few points before buying a blender for your kitchen. Here is a guide that can help you in your blender choosing process:

• Know the Types of Blenders Available

There are different kinds of blenders available in the market, including hand blenders and countertop blenders. Decide which kind of blender you would like to invest in depending on your needs. Do a research to find out the latest advancements in this appliance so that the process of selection becomes easier.

• Decide What You Want to Buy Based on the Functions

Now that you know the various types of blenders available in the market, this step will be easier. Make a note of the features you are looking for and choose a blender that comes equipped with all the required features.

• Choose a Trustworthy Brand

The brand of your blender is very important. Buying blenders from a random brand just because of the cheap prices can be risky. Such appliances can break or malfunction within a few months of usage. Always choose a brand that is trustworthy. Though a branded blender might cost you a little more than other products, it would have a good shelf-life. Once you decide the brand, check for the blenders that have the features of your interest.

• Compare Prices

When you have shortlisted the products that have the features you need, compare the prices of all the blenders and choose the one that comes under your budget. The cost is an important aspect to consider for budget-minded shoppers. Consider warranty as a point when comparing the prices of different blenders.

• Check Customer Reviews

As an additional step, do not forget to check the customer reviews and ratings for the product that you are choosing. Some blenders may claim to serve multiple purposes but fail to do so in reality. Customer reviews can help you get a better insight into the product.

• Search for the Best Offers

When you are done with all the research work, it’s time to buy. The price of the blender may vary based on the store offers and discounts. You can search online for the best offers and avail the deals and discounts.

We hope that this guide helps you in buying the perfect blender for your kitchen. There are multipurpose blenders in the market that can be used for various purposes. Choose the right blender from a good brand to avoid problems in the future.

Small changes make a huge and unexpected impact.

Making your kitchen look beautiful is a lot more than just choosing the right appliances, tiles, tools, and cabinets.

Here are a few designer tips to make your kitchen look fancy and up to date.

1. Add a new Layer of Paint

Painting your kitchen is very easy, even the laziest person can do it by themselves. Painting your kitchen cabinets is the simplest and effortless way to bring a new look to your kitchen. If your cabinets are dark colored, paint them with a coral shade to add a pop of color to the dull room.

Justin Riordan, senior designer at Spade and Archer Design in Portland, share some secrets of how to modernize your kitchen with a plain white color.

Wash the cabinets with TSP, make sure to wear gloves and a veil for protection. Choose the perfect white color from the color pallet. If you want to be creative then select a tea pink shade. Prime the cabinets first, once it’s dried, apply a single layer of paint. Let the paint dry before you apply the second layer. Make sure your strokes are light and in vertical directions.

2. The Hamilton Beach Toaster

Apart from being a toaster and toasting bread, this Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven will simply make your kitchen look more expensive and fancy than ever before.

The material used in the making of this toaster is rare and costly. Coffee houses and restaurants prefer purchasing this Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven as it is easy to use and transforms the entire interior look.

3. Purchase a new backsplash

If you’re excited about upgrading your kitchen, then invest in a new and shiny backsplash.

A brand new and well-organized back splash can instantly change the look of your entire kitchen and make it look as modern as a brand new one.

CEO of modern design and remodeling suggests, updating the back splash with a unique material. You can utilize geometric tiles, or lightly shaded glass sheets as a replacement for a fancy back splash.

These materials are not only cheap but both long-lasting and easy to take care of. You can also use porcelain tiles.

The backsplash is the first things that a person will look at in your kitchen. If you’re trying to portray a personality then invest in a good quality and fancy backsplash.

4. Change your Hardware

When you pay importance to your kitchen tools and appliances as much as you are concerned with the interior, you will see how fun it is to shop for even the most unnecessary things that could make a huge difference.

Hardware is like jewelry for your kitchen. Sometimes it may take 6 years for you to replace the broken knob, but when you finally do it, you will see how a small thing can change the look of your kitchen.

If you’re a wise spender then invest in good culinary, new cabinets, potholders, knives, doorknobs and a good floor polish.

However, if you’re low on cash, purchase a few cheap spray paints from the local store and paint all your hardware for a glossier look.

5. Reconsider storage

The idea of making changes to your cabinets and hardware might sound funny to you but accurately making changes to your stock can either make or break the entire kitchen look.

Add a few extra cabinets, add a glass or wooden dining table in the kitchen for quick bites with your family. If you’re still using the traditional stove then switch to a modern one. An electric stove with a built-in oven is both useful and fancy.

If your kitchen windows open into the backyard, you might want to add a flower vase and a few herb plants next to the window. This will not only make your kitchen smell nice, but you will also have an unlimited stock of fresh herbs available at all times.

What’s even more important is how you maintain the changes you have made. Set aside a day every week to clear all the cabinets and clean the racks. Wash the floor, the stove, and regularly polish the backsplash and tiled floor for a shinier and glossy look.

Improving the presentation of your house before putting it up on the real estate market is important for the net value of your home, making it a valuable investment. From repairs to cleanliness, every little aspect plays a role. You can do most of these tasks yourself and can even seek professional help if needed.

Below is a list of top six things you should put on your checklist while you are preparing to sell your house. Most of these tips are easy but can guarantee a lucrative offer.

Fix the doors and windows

When it comes to doors and windows, pay special attention to the front door. After all, this is the place from where your buyer will enter the house. Thus, it should be well painted and accessible. Fix broken frames of the doors and windows around the house. Make sure the doorbell is working and check outdoor lighting and shingles as well.

Broken or damaged doors and windows can give out a bad impression. It can also affect your position to negotiate the price.

De-clutter

Cleanliness is crucial if you want the buyers to think that the house is looked after well. Win points by deep cleaning and de-cluttering the house.

Clean carpets and rugs and eliminate odors, dinginess, or stains. If you have packed boxes of your stuff, make sure you organize them neatly in a corner.

Tidy each room and rearrange the closets, cabinets, and the garage. If doing this all by yourself seems too daunting, don’t hesitate in hiring a professional cleaning company.

Fix the lighting

Check the lighting fixtures to see if all the bulbs are working. Decorative light fixtures can brighten up any space and make it appear more appealing. It also gives your home a fresher, cleaner look. Therefore, install appropriate lighting, and replace old bulbs if needed.

If you find certain lights too bright for a certain space, consider replacing them with low-key lighting for a cozy ambiance. Use accent lighting to highlight special points around the house to improve curb appeal.

Check the bathrooms

Dirty or broken bathrooms can be a major turnoff for buyers. In fact, it is the bathroom where most house-selling deals are finalized. If you win your buyers heart here, there will be extra brownie points for you!

Check if your bathroom needs plumbing repairs. Freshly clean your bathroom before the buyers arrive and make sure it is completely dried. Replace the rugs, old shower curtains, and even the bathroom fixtures if needed.

Repair the foundation

If your house needs foundation repair, Fort Worth TX options will surprise you. You can find many reputable companies here that can fix the problem and even offer a great lifetime warranty.

Weak house foundation can put your deal at stake. It is important to ensure that your house is beamed properly. Let the professionals inspect for space damage and fix the foundation in no time.

Check your backyard

Most likely, the buyers will inspect your entire house, including your backyard. So, make sure it appears both functional and spacious. If you really want to entice your buyers, consider potting new plants and keep the landscape neat and trimmed. Let the buyers comfortably tour the yard.

Conclusion

The first step is to inspect your own property and highlight the areas that need to be fixed. See if you can take care of these problems on your own. Do not try too hard to save money by doing every task yourself though. After all, a little investment can earn you bigger dollars if you succeed in enticing the buyer.

So take your time, conduct a detailed research, and don’t hesitate in seeking help from professional repair companies for the tasks you cannot handle on your own.  

Every home needs a little bit of change from time to time. And since the living room is the heart of the home, that’s the room you should consider for making those changes in. However, chances are you’re stuck with the ideas for updating your living room and you could use all the help you can get. That being said, here’s a list of 5 living room trends you’ll want to copy.

Making brave colour choices

Gray has been the most popular living room colour for quite some time but it seems like this is starting to change. Moody living rooms are in, and if you want your home to be trendy, making brave colour choices is a must. So, instead of opting for a new gray sofa, why not give blue or green a go? Also, if you decide to stick to a single colour, experimenting with different shades is recommended. For example, if you want your living room blue, you can use one shade for the walls and introduce more of these via furnishing and accessories.

Decorating with plants

No matter what kind of look you’re going for, your living room needs decoration. And when it comes to decoration, the one thing you can never go wrong with is greenery. Not only do potted plants add style to your home but they also help you keep the air inside fresh. Luckily, pots now come in all shapes and colours, which means finding the ones that match the style of your living room will be a real piece of cake. Moreover, there’s a plethora of house plants you might want to keep in your living room, with Aloe Vera and Spider Plant being the most popular among them.

Getting a home theatre

Your living room is probably the place where you spend most time with your family. However, if you feel like you and your loved ones could use some extra family time, getting a home theatre is a must. This is something more and more homeowners have decided to do and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give it a go as well. And with so many different home theatres being available right now, choosing the right one for your living room won’t be difficult. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to have experts in home theatre installation to help you with setting up your new living room.

Opting for corner sofas

Corner sofas have been gaining more and more attention and one of these might be exactly what your home needs. This is especially the case if your home has an open plan space since corner sofas can be used to create separate zones. Not to mention that some of the newest corner sofas out there look absolutely amazing. Another good idea is to combine one of these with an accent chair or snuggler. This should allow you to be braver with your choice of colour and you might decide to go for green or yellow.

Using statement carpets

We have all heard so much about feature walls, but what about statement carpets? Forget about wooden flooring and opt for statement carpets instead. One of these is not only going to make your living room more stylish but it’ll also make it feel more cozy, which is definitely something you should be aiming at. Another great thing about getting a statement carpet is that it helps you turn your living room into something more unique. If you do get a statement carpet, make sure you don’t pick too many colours for décor as you don’t want it to steal the show from your flooring.

With these living room trends in mind, giving your living room a fresh look is going to be easy. However, don’t forget that there are new living room trends constantly emerging and keeping an eye for the new ones you could implement in your living room is recommended.

The kitchen is one of the first rooms a potential homebuyer will check out if they are viewing a home for sale. An attractive, functional and upgraded kitchen is a major selling factor and lighting plays a major role in this. Old lighting like flickering fluorescent-tube fixtures or the old-fashioned ‘sunshine’ light fixtures that cover the entire ceiling of the kitchen is a major turn off to buyers. They can date a kitchen in a bad way.

In the same way, having bad lighting in a kitchen can reduce its functionality. If areas of workspace, like the kitchen sink or counter, are poorly lit it makes tasks like preparing meals and cleaning up difficult. No one likes to work in the dark.  

Modern ways to light up your kitchen.

If you’re doing a few upgrades to try to sell your home, consider replacing the old lighting in the kitchen and contact electricians to install new modern light fixtures if necessary. The three main types of lighting in the kitchen include:

Ambient lighting: This is the general light in the kitchen. It allows you to work in most spaces in the kitchen but doesn’t focus on any particular area.

Task lighting: This would be the lighting above your main counter or at the sink. It can also be the lighting in your pantry or closets. It makes using the kitchen a lot easier.

Accent lighting: This type of lighting allows you to add a little style to the space. You can use accent lighting under the cabinets to make your beautiful tile backsplash sparkle or have it shining on your favourite décor items to add an aesthetic touch.

Choosing and installing the right light fixtures.

Knowing what kind of light fixtures to purchase and install can be a challenge. You can learn how to choose the right lighting for each room by visiting a local lighting showroom. They will likely have designers on staff that can show you good examples of ambient, task and accent light fixtures that will go well in your kitchen.

Consulting with an electrician is also a great resource for choosing lighting. They work with light fixtures daily and can give you some expert tips on what types of lighting will work best for your space. They can also provide a professional installation which will ensure your new light fixtures are installed properly, securely and safely. Read more articles about electricians.

This is the age of modern technology and the technology has a great impact on our daily lifestyle. From the morning to the night- technology is everywhere. Technology spreads almost in all sectors, including furniture. We used typical furniture from about 5-10 years ago, but now; many innovative types of furniture have taken places over that typical furniture. The new furniture is more effective, highly workable and takes less space but able to do multiple works.

That’s why they’re so popular nowadays. In this article, we are going to introduce you to some modern and innovative furniture that can increase the beauty of your home. Let’s start-

1. The expandable Capstan Table:

This amazing table is designed by David Fletcher. This is generally a simple table that is used for typical works such as putting something on it. But as we said, it’s innovative; it contains a secret marvelous process. This small table serves you simply all the time which takes less space; but when you need a big table for any special purpose, you will find the secret of it.

The table can be expanded from a small size to a large size. You will get the same table shape with larger space. This is highly recommended for them who likes simple decoration of home and need a large table for their work.

2. Lift-Top Coffee Table:

The coffee table is found in almost every house. But did you ever think of an innovative one?

Well, the lift-top coffee tables are a perfect example of that. These tables are generally like typical coffee tables. You can use it like the typical one, but when you want more from the table, the table is ready to serve!

We generally use lower coffee tables and feel lower while using. But while using a lift-top coffee table, you can raise the height of the table as you want. This wonderful invention lets you have a better coffee time.

3. Multifunctional Dining Table/ Sofa:

When you have limited space in your room and you need both sofa and dining table, this multifunctional dining table/ sofa can be your perfect solution. This innovative furniture is designed by Julia Kononenko. This simple but modern furniture is adorable and appreciated by all users.

This is generally a sofa; you can use this sofa like typical sofa, but when you need a dining table to take your meal, just switch it into a dining table. This sofa can be converted into your perfect dining table with padded stools at a glance.

4. Story:

The story is a great combination of bed, sofa, and workstation. This multipurpose furniture is designed by Fanny Adams. This is a perfect piece for your small house. You can use it as your workstation during working time, as a sofa during a relaxing time or as a bed when you need to take a sleep. Actually, this innovative stuff has been admired by all of the users and additionally, this is one of the most stylish furniture that can increase the beauty of your home.

5. Multifunctional Sofa/ Bed:

This is another amazing invention to the bedroom/ living room. You can use this sofa while watching TV or gossiping with friends. And when you need more relax, you just need to switch it up to the bed. This sofa will be then converted into a normal bed and you will able to relax more easily. Additionally, you can use this sofa/ bed for your bedroom or outdoor too. This is a great & stylish addition to your living room.